ADF Health October 2005 - Volume 6 Number 2

Malaria Update

Malaria in the ADF

Total malaria infections in ADF personnel in various deployments

East Timor, September 1999 - June 2005

Diagnosed in East Timor

Diagnosed on return to Australia

Total

389

471

Solomon Islands, July 2003 - December 2005

Diagnosed in Solomon Islands

Diagnosed on return to Australia

Total

Six cases of malaria in ADF personnel were reported to the Central Malaria Register In the period 1 January - 30 June 2005.

One case was acquired in Thailand by a member on recreation leave.

One case was acquired in Indonesia by a member heading to the Middle East. This was diagnosed in the Middle East and the person subsequently had one relapse while remaining in the Middle East.

One new case was acquired in Papua New Guinea, and there was one relapse of a previous case acquired in Papua New Guinea.

One new case was acquired in East Timor and diagnosed on return to Australia.

There were no further cases from the Solomon Islands.

Major Nathan Elmes
Research Medical Officer, Army Malaria Institute

Malaria reporting

All Health Service personnel are encouraged to notify the Central Malaria Registry promptly when a malaria casualty is detected. Informal notifications preceding a PM40 can be made by telephone (07) 3332 4836 or by email Nathan.Elmes@defence.gov.au